Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fire Safety Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about creating a safe and secure environment? We are searching for a proactive and detail-oriented Fire Safety Coordinator to join our team. In this vital role, you will be the cornerstone of our safety culture, responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of our fire prevention and life safety programs. You will serve as the subject matter expert, ensuring our facilities, systems, and procedures not only meet but exceed all local, state, and federal fire codes. This position requires a hands-on approach to conducting inspections, leading emergency drills, training staff, and liaising with regulatory agencies to champion a world-class safety standard across the organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist
Facilities Technician or Coordinator with a safety focus
Firefighter or Fire Inspector (transitioning to a corporate role)

Advancement To:

Fire Safety Manager or Fire Protection Manager
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager
Regional Safety Director or Corporate Risk Manager

Lateral Moves:

Emergency Management Coordinator
Business Continuity Planner
Industrial Hygienist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and manage the organization's comprehensive fire prevention and life safety programs to ensure regulatory compliance and best practices.
Conduct thorough fire safety inspections and risk assessments of all facilities to identify potential hazards, code deficiencies, and non-compliant conditions.
Maintain and oversee the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) programs for all fire protection and life safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, special suppression systems, and emergency lighting.
Plan, coordinate, and execute comprehensive fire and emergency evacuation drills on a scheduled basis, documenting outcomes and implementing corrective action plans to improve response effectiveness.
Develop and deliver engaging fire safety training and educational programs for all employees, contractors, and visitors, including new hire orientation and annual refreshers.
Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison with local fire departments, state fire marshals, insurance carriers, and other regulatory agencies (AHJs).
Investigate all fire-related incidents, near misses, and system alarms to determine root causes and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurrence.
Maintain meticulous and audit-ready records and documentation related to inspections, training sessions, emergency drills, incident reports, and fire protection system maintenance.
Review construction, renovation, and new process plans to ensure all fire protection and life safety code requirements are integrated from the design phase through completion.
Interpret and provide expert guidance on complex fire codes and standards, including NFPA, ICC, and OSHA regulations, keeping the organization informed of any legislative or standard changes.
Act as a key member of the site's Emergency Response Team (ERT), providing technical guidance and support during drills and actual emergencies.
Perform periodic audits of life safety features such as means of egress, exit signage, door hardware, and fire-rated barriers to ensure they are unobstructed and fully functional.
Manage the facility's hot work permit program, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent ignition hazards during welding, cutting, and other high-temperature work.
Develop, review, and annually update site-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs).

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to safety performance, incident trends, and compliance metrics.
Contribute to the organization's broader EHS strategy and roadmap by providing specialized fire safety insights.
Collaborate with business units, including Facilities, Engineering, and Human Resources, to translate safety needs into actionable requirements and projects.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within integrated project or facilities management teams.
Manage relationships and contracts with third-party vendors for fire protection system services, inspections, and repairs.
Prepare and present detailed reports on the status, challenges, and successes of the fire safety program to senior management and safety committees.
Assist in the development and management of the fire safety budget, including forecasting costs for system upgrades, maintenance, and training initiatives.
Champion a proactive safety culture by promoting awareness and accountability for fire prevention across all levels of the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert Knowledge of Fire Codes: Deep understanding and practical application of NFPA standards (especially NFPA 101, 13, 25, 72), International Fire Code (IFC), and relevant OSHA regulations.
Fire Protection Systems: In-depth knowledge of the design, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm, sprinkler, and special suppression systems.
Incident Investigation: Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies to investigate fire-related incidents and develop effective corrective actions.
Risk Assessment: Ability to conduct formal fire risk assessments and hazard analysis to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Blueprint & Plan Review: Skill in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.
Emergency Management: Strong understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and principles of emergency preparedness and response.
Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Knowledge of hazardous material storage, handling, and classification as it pertains to fire code compliance.

Soft Skills

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse audiences, from frontline staff to senior leadership.
Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead emergency drills and influence a positive safety culture without direct authority.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to effectively identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues and emergencies.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in conducting inspections, reviewing documentation, and maintaining accurate records.
Training & Presentation: Proven ability to develop and deliver effective and engaging training sessions for adult learners.
Calm Under Pressure: Ability to remain composed, decisive, and effective during high-stress emergency situations.
Collaboration: A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory officials.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Equivalent extensive experience combined with relevant certifications may be considered.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications such as Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Certified Fire Inspector (CFI), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fire Protection Engineering / Technology
Occupational Health & Safety
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct experience in a fire prevention, life safety, or industrial EHS role with a strong focus on fire safety.

Preferred:

Experience in a large-scale industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, or campus environment.
Demonstrable experience managing fire protection system maintenance programs and contracts.
Proven track record of successfully leading emergency response drills and interacting with fire department officials.
Experience with digital compliance management and inspection software.